Council OKs changes to how EPC members are selected

Changes to Winnipeg's executive policy committee appointments to take effect this fall

All members of city council's executive policy committee (EPC) have been appointed by the mayor, but a motion passed on Wednesday will allow councillors to select three of the committee's six members. (Darren Bernhardt/CBC)

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Winnipeg city council has approved changes today to how members of the mayor's inner circle, known as the executive policy committee, are selected.

Council voted on Wednesday in favour of a motion, moved by Mayor Sam Katz and seconded by Coun. Thomas Steen, that will change how EPC appointments are made starting in November.

All members of EPC are currently appointed by the mayor, but Katz's motion changes that so that three of the six members are elected by council. The remaining three members would still be appointed by the mayor.

The city will now have to ask the Manitoba government to amend the City of Winnipeg Charter to reflect the changes.

It will mark the first time in over two decades that EPC members are appointed by their council colleagues.

Katz said the current EPC model has been in effect since 1992 and hasn't been changed.

"I believe the time has come to update the model,” the mayor said in a news release.

“Changing how EPC is formed will allow council members to participate directly in the composition of EPC, creating a good balance of appointments.”